WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT approach is key in realizing the policies and strategies of the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 geared toward job creation and speeding up poverty reduction in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Monday.

In a forum with government information and communication officers in preparation for the PDP’s completion next month, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan underscored that collaboration among communication teams of offices within the government is an integral part of the whole-of-government approach for development planning.

“As government information officers, you perceive the pulse of the Filipino people. Through various media and channels, you are the heralds who are crucial in ensuring that the link between the public and the government remains strong, truthful and unbroken. As the launch of the PDP 2023-2028 approaches, we seek your thoughts and efforts to guarantee not only its effective implementation but also its successful communication to the public — our fellow Filipinos, for whom the plan is formulated,” Balisacan said.

NEDA highlighted that the government must always ensure the communication of accurate and timely information to the public, especially on socioeconomic policies that have significant implications. Alongside public consultations, the agency noted that effective communication can enable useful feedback from stakeholders such that programs and policies are adjusted to become more impactful.

The forum is a continuation of NEDA’s PDP forums held last September, which convened stakeholders from the youth, private and government planning sectors, respectively. The latest forum’s goal is to collect insights from the communication teams of various government agencies and units, which will be useful for the upcoming release of the new PDP.

NEDA is now nearing the completion of the PDP 2023-2028 and is looking to present the plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet early next month. It earlier said that social protection and human capital development will be among top priorities in the short to medium term under the upcoming plan.

The PDP 2023-2028 shall provide a roadmap toward unlocking sustained and inclusive growth for the Philippine economy despite the challenges brought by health, geopolitical and other economic shocks.